Gallbladder Stone Surgery (Laparoscopic)

What it treats

Gallstones causing pain, infection or complications

Approach

Laparoscopic (keyhole) — small incisions

Hospital stay

Often same day or within 24 hours, depending on recovery

Where

Apollo Hospitals, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru

When do gallstones need surgery?

Not every gallstone needs an operation. Stones found incidentally on a scan, causing no symptoms, can often simply be monitored. Surgery is usually advised when stones cause symptoms or complications — because each pain attack risks the next being worse.

• Repeated attacks of pain in the upper right abdomen, often after fatty meals
• Pain lasting 30 minutes to a few hours, not relieved by antacids, sometimes spreading to the right shoulder or back
• Gallbladder infection (cholecystitis), stones blocking the bile duct, or pancreatitis caused by stones

The operation

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy removes the gallbladder through a few small keyhole incisions. The gallbladder is a storage pouch — the liver continues to make bile after it is removed, and digestion continues normally for the vast majority of people. Where anatomy or inflammation makes keyhole surgery unsuitable, the approach is adjusted and discussed with you beforehand.

Recovery

Many patients go home the same day or within 24 hours, depending on individual recovery. Walking is encouraged early; light activity typically resumes within a few days, and return to full routine follows your surgeon's advice. Individual recovery varies.

Frequently asked questions

Do all gallstones need surgery?

No. Symptom-free stones found incidentally can often be monitored. Surgery is usually advised when stones cause pain, infection or complications — the decision follows an evaluation.

Is gallbladder removal a major operation?

It is a common operation performed laparoscopically through small incisions. Many patients go home the same day or within 24 hours, depending on recovery.

Can I digest food normally without a gallbladder?

Yes — the liver continues to produce bile. Most people digest normally after recovery; a minority notice temporary changes that usually settle.

How is gallstone disease diagnosed?

Typically with a clinical review and an abdominal ultrasound; further tests are added only where needed.

This page provides general information and is not a substitute for a consultation. Treatment decisions are individual and made after a surgical evaluation.